Do voters really think there is little difference in the Parties?

[kentuck]

If so, why?

Whether or not it is true, voters would tend not to vote if they could not make a distinction. Sort of like choosing between a Dr Pepper and a Root Beer?

But what should the Democrats do to convince these voters that they are on their side? Why is it so difficult to get them to the polls?

Is it a matter of communication? Or something else?

[elleng]

1. They DID, when it was closer to true.

Now? Communication?

[MannyGoldstein]

2. They don't think they're the same, other than

neither party is getting the job done for the 99%.

There is a vacuum. It will be filled. Hopefully by a rededicated Democratic Party. But perhaps by something else.

[TheKentuckian]

3. That is where it is at, Manny. Getting caught up in the same debate is beside the point

You can be night and day and still not be doing what is needed or doing what is despised.

[AleksS]

4. I think they do

I think they do, but I don't have anything substantive to base that on.

I just get a feeling that for many the label "politician" trumps (D) or (R) labels, and leaves a large part of the electorate saying "they're all the same." This is enhanced by the constant "both sides do it" narrative that the US Media feels the need to push 24/7.

While someone watching closely can pick out the false equivalency, most folks aren't watching closely. Unfortunately a person who spends their free time playing video games, or watching reality TV, or just doesn't have free time due to having to work multiple jobs to feed a family, won't be able to spot the "false" in "false equivalency." They'll assume that when (insert favorite talking head or co-worker, or whoever) says "both sides do XXX," that 1) both sides do do XXX and 2) the XXX done by both sides is similar in scale.

What can be done? That's the rub, now ain't it?

I think Fox News is actually doing us a service on this. Here's how:

First, while they get a lot of attention, remember their "#1 rating" spot is only amongst cable news networks, and isn't actually that many viewers compared to the major networks (or even compared to Spongebob Squarepants). But what they do, is say a lot of crazy-ass shit. The more Fox lets GOP-ers call women uncontrolled libido-raging sluts, or get hung up on "Santa is white!" type silliness, the harder it is for people to say "both sides are the same." The more the right is out there talking some craziness about immigrants drug-fueled cantaloupe calves, the harder it is for someone to find something even remotely remotely remotely similar from the left.

So I think the solution is, just what Fox News is doing--amplify the crazy from the right. Let them do the work of proving how different the parties are. And when someone reponds to right-wing craziness by saying "Oh yeah? Democrats do it too!" make sure to ask who, what, and when.

[Demo_Chris]

6. Well said.

[Kelvin Mace]

5. Both sides toady up to Wall Street

and worship at the altar of the 1%. It is just a matter of degree.

The GOP is more open and honest for their contempt of the poor, the Dems (especially the leadership) do what they can to help the poor, but only if it will not make the 1% REALLY mad.

- They talk about peace while continuing to wage war, being dragged kicking and screaming from the battlefield.

- They talk conservation and green technology while continuing the massive subsidies to the fossil fuel industry,

- They talk about women's reproductive health while voting for restrictions on abortion.

- They talk about providing affordable health care while letting insurance companies, Big Phrama and hospital corporations write the health care laws.

- They talk about government transparency while hunting down whistleblowers and prosecuting them.

Both sides have moved to the right over the last three decades. The GOP sprints while the Dems saunter, but motion is always 1 step left, 5 steps right.

And before all the folks descend on me about all the ways I am wrong, I point out that 80+ DEMS including the usual suspects in the leadership voted to cut food assistance TODAY.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/29/1273497/-Shame-on-Corrine-Nancy-Debbie-86-others

And also remember these very important facts: The median net worth of congress is over $1 million dollars making them 1%ers in good standing, and all of them have a salary that puts them in the top 5%. EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM.

Actions speak louder than words and the action of both parties has been to enrich themselves while the rest of us shuffle off to penury.